By Isle of Wight Observer
A woman appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates Monday morning (December 10), charged with the arson of two hotels in Sandown in September.
Paula Skelly, 62, of Britain Street, Portsea, did not enter a plea at the initial hearing, held at the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court.
Skelly was accused of arson after allegedly flicking a cigarette butt from a balcony, which landed in a pile of garbage, causing the conflagration.
The fire burned down the 50-bedroom Tarvic2 and 66-bedroom St Moritz hotels in September, 2018, requiring the emergency evacuation of around eighty guests.
On Friday, an arrest warrant had been issued after Miss Skelly failed to appear in court.
Today, the court heard the letter summoning Skelly to appear had been sent to her old address.
The case has been adjourned to the Isle of Wight Crown Court on January 28
